EU Parliament Urges Suspension of Hungary from Schengen Over Russian Visa Concerns
Hungary's recent move to relax entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens has sparked significant concern within the European Union.
At least 70 European politicians signed a letter urging the European Commission to suspend Hungary’s participation in the visa-free Schengen Area.
“We call on the European Commission to take urgent measures to investigate Hungary’s decision, as it may constitute a loophole and potentially jeopardise the overall functioning of the Schengen Area and its role as a safe space for citizens,” stated the letter, initiated by Czech MEP Danuse Nerudova and Lithuanian MEP Petras Austrevicius.
The European Commission has given Hungary until August 19 to address concerns about changes to its National Card.
Since July, Hungary has been issuing “national cards,” a type of resident permit, to Russian and Belarusian citizens. These do not count as Schengen visas, which permit holders to travel through most of Europe unhindered.
This type of work and resident permit is only valid in Hungary.
The scheme expanded eligibility from Serbia and Ukraine to six more countries:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina,
- Montenegro,
- North Macedonia,
- Moldova,
- Russia,
- Belarus.
Eligible nationals from these countries can request one if they work in Hungary or plan to set up a business.
Any EU member state is allowed to issue such national permits.
The Hungarian National Card offers significant benefits over standard guest worker status. Although both require pre-existing work permits, National Card holders can bring their families, stay for up to two years with the possibility of a three-year extension, and receive approval in 21 days—reducing the time for security clearance.
Hungary’s government has dismissed the concerns as “political hysteria.”
On July 30, Hungary’s foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, criticised Baltic countries for spreading “propaganda,” denying that Hungary poses a security risk to the Schengen zone with its National Card scheme.
However, experts fear the process could be politically biased and warn that Hungarian authorities may lack the capacity to thoroughly screen the influx of applicants from Russia and Belarus.
Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.
Check out the offers and discounts from:
And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.
IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries
If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.
Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.
- What Schengen Membership Means for Travel in Romania and Bulgaria - 16 December 2024
- Greece Approves Major Tax Hikes for Tourists: Will It Affect Your Plans? - 14 December 2024
- International Students Urged to Return Before Trump Takes Office - 13 December 2024
